Japanese

The 19th Hiroshima University Homecoming Day and the 74th University Festival were held on November 1, 2025, at the Higashi-Hiroshima Campus (the University Festival also took place on November 2).

Under clear autumn skies, alumni, parents, and members of the local community gathered at the Higashi-Hiroshima Campus, where a variety of programs—including performances, exhibitions, hands-on events, and a local products fair—were held throughout the campus. The day was lively and filled with many visitors.

Click here for the Homecoming Day special website (in Japanese)

■ Opening Ceremony

At the opening ceremony held in the Satake Memorial Hall, President Mitsuo Ochi stated, “The backbone of Hiroshima University is ‘The Pursuit of Peace.’ Hiroshima University has embodied this spirit in all areas of education, research, and social contribution. Including predecessor institutions, our alumni exceed 250,000, and our graduates around the world are striving in their respective fields and contributing to society. We remain committed to nurturing internationally educated individuals who pursue peace.”

Following this, award ceremonies were held for the Hiroshima University President's Award, the Phoenix Outstanding Researcher Award, and the Hiroshima University Education Award. President Ochi presented certificates of commendation to faculty and staff who have demonstrated excellence in education, research, social contribution, and other fields—receiving warm applause from the audience.

President Ochi also introduced the Integrated Report 2025, which summarizes the university’s key initiatives for stakeholders who support its activities and operations.

■ Lecture by Mariko Hayashi

The subsequent lecture featured Mariko Hayashi, author and Chairperson of Nihon University, who delivered a talk titled “What I Have Learned.”

Hayashi shared episodes from her journey after graduating from university, including her time as a copywriter before starting her career as a writer. She also discussed how her representative works, which have won numerous awards including the Naoki Prize, came to be. In addition, she spoke about how her writing activities have led her to observe societal changes and people’s ways of life, motivating her to take on a wide range of themes and genres. Furthermore, she shared her thoughts on universities and students in her capacity as Chairperson of Nihon University.

Concluding her approximately one-hour lecture, she stated, “I have experienced many failures and difficulties, but by reflecting on them and overcoming them, I was able to strengthen myself. I would like to continue utilizing such experiences in my creative work.”

The opening ceremony and lecture were also streamed live on YouTube.

■ Undergraduate and Graduate School Initiatives

In the afternoon, the School of Education performed the opera The Magic Flute at the same hall, filling the venue with beautiful harmonies sung by faculty and students.

Around the Satake Memorial Hall, local municipalities and partner organizations set up booths selling specialty products and food. The student stage featured performances by the university brass band and other student groups, adding to the vibrant atmosphere. Each undergraduate school, graduate school, and research facility also hosted open houses, lectures, and exhibitions. Many visitors joined these events—unique to a comprehensive research university—and experienced firsthand the diversity of HU’s education, research, and social contributions.

Approximately 70 parents and guardians of undergraduate students also took part in the Hiroshima University Community Gathering. During the session, the university president and executives introduced HU’s initiatives, while alumni and graduate students shared their experiences with student life, study abroad, and career support. At a separate venue, an information exchange session allowed participants to interact directly with faculty, alumni, and current graduate students. Additionally, around 150 people attended the University Information Session for high school students and prospective students.

■ University Festival and School of Education Festival

The University Festival was held in front of the School of Integrated Arts and Sciences, featuring a variety of student-organized activities such as comedy performances, food stalls, and indoor and outdoor events.

At the same time, the School of Education Festival (E-storm) took place, drawing many families and children. Both festivals ran over two days, November 1 and 2.

■ Event Hosted by the Hiroshima University Smart City Co-Creation Consortium

Coinciding with Homecoming Day, a community exchange event was held by the Hiroshima University Smart City Co-Creation Consortium, a collaboration between Hiroshima University, Higashihiroshima City, and private companies.

At MIRAI CREA, the consortium introduced its initiatives and held a variety of events for children and adults to enjoy, including electric scooter test rides, VR experiences, and quadruped robot demonstrations. The event provided an opportunity to engage with cutting-edge technology and think about the future of city development.

■ Homecoming Day Events at Other Campuses

The Kasumi Campus will host the Kasumi Homecoming Day/56th Kasumi Festival on Saturday, November 8. The Higashi-Senda Campus will host the Higashi-Senda Homecoming Day on Thursday, November 13. We hope you will join us.

Details here (in Japanese)

Thank you very much to everyone who attended in person and to those who joined us via the YouTube livestream.